WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Trucking Associations’ Women In Motion Council has officially petitioned Congress to prioritize truck parking expansion in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Council Chair Emily Williams issued formal letters this week to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, demanding immediate intervention before current highway programs expire on September 30.

Lack of secure infrastructure serves as a primary deterrent for women looking to enter the industry, according to council members. Williams emphasized that the current state of roadside facilities is a direct threat to driver safety and professional longevity. The push for reform centers on the reality that inadequate parking forces drivers into dangerous, unauthorized spots, which contributes to thousands of preventable highway crashes annually.

Federal data highlights the severity of the situation, showing that 98 percent of drivers struggle to find secure spaces during their shifts. Research from the American Transportation Research Institute quantifies the financial damage, noting that the average driver forfeits 56 minutes of drive time daily while searching for a spot. This lost productivity equates to an annual hit of approximately 6,813 dollars to a driver’s bottom line, making the search for safe rest a major factor for any CDL-A driver attempting to maintain profitability.

What This Means for Drivers

Finding a secure space to shut down is no longer just a logistical hurdle; it is a daily struggle that directly impacts the earnings of every OTR truck driver on the road. When parking is unavailable, drivers are forced to gamble between violating hours-of-service rules or parking on dangerous highway ramps. This constant pressure creates unnecessary stress and physical danger, particularly for women who require well-lit, secure facilities with reliable access to restrooms. As trucking companies hiring across the country continue to recruit, the lack of infrastructure remains a top concern for any owner-operator managing their own fuel and time costs.

Industry Reaction

The Women In Motion Council is framing parking as an essential component of industry retention and public safety rather than a mere convenience. By linking the parking shortage to the broader goal of attracting more women to the workforce, the council is applying pressure on lawmakers to address the failure of existing infrastructure to keep pace with freight demand. Industry advocates argue that until federal funding mandates include secure, lighted lots with on-site security, the high turnover rates seen in many fleets will persist.

Key Points

• Women In Motion is lobbying Congress to include parking expansion in the September 30 surface transportation reauthorization.
• Nearly 98 percent of drivers report difficulties in locating safe, secure parking spots according to USDOT studies.
• The average driver loses 6,813 dollars in annual wages due to time wasted searching for parking.
• The council identifies lighted lots, bathroom access, and security as critical safety requirements for the workforce.

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